Arroyo asks court nod to attend El Shaddai leader’s renewal of vows

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has asked the Sandiganbayan’s nod for her to attend the renewal of wedding vows of El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde and wife Belen.

In a motion, Arroyo said despite her illness, she is fit to travel from the Veterans Memorial Medical Center, where she is under hospital arrest, to Parañaque for the wedding.

Arroyo said Velarde is her close friend and one of her “spiritual advisers.”

“Although accused … is currently suffering from a deteriorating health condition… she is nonetheless fit to travel and could withstand an hour car ride from the VMMC in Quezon City to Parañaque City and back,” the motion read.

Arroyo also requested the Police Security and Protection Group of the Philippine National Police to secure her for the wedding.

Bro. Mike and Belen Velarde’s renewal of vows is set on July 18.

Among those invited are Arroyo, former president and now Manila mayor Joseph Estrada, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., and former first lady Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos. Noticeably absent from the list is President Benigno Aquino III.

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